Jacobs Donates $8 Million Toward Klyde Warren Park Expansion
DALLAS (October 14, 2020) – Klyde Warren Park announced that Jacobs has donated $8 million to the project that will expand the beloved greenspace 1.65 acres to the west over Woodall Rodgers Freeway toward Field Street. To date, the gift is the single-largest donation to the $100-million project by a corporation, as well as the largest corporate gift in downtown Dallas since the AT&T Performing Arts Center opened in 2009.
Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2021, with completion in 2024.
“This is an incredibly generous gift by Jacobs, and it’s a major step in reaching our goal of bringing more green space and free programming to the citizens of Dallas,” said Jody Grant, chairman of the board of Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation. “Jacobs has a strong belief in improving the infrastructure of urban spaces around the country to make them more pedestrian friendly and accessible for all citizens. This gift will certainly help us accomplish that goal with the Park expansion, a project we believe is vital to enhancing the connectivity of our urban core.”
Jacobs, a Dallas-based global professional and technical solutions firm, has the rights to name the 36,000-square foot multi-use west lawn that is part of the project. To be known as The Jacobs Lawn, the area will provide additional green space and host a variety of seasonal events, such as markets, festivals, a winter ice rink, and other forms of recreation for the community.
“We know that developing people-centered infrastructure builds strong, vibrant communities and increases value for society as a whole. Klyde Warren Park has helped transform Dallas, and everyone who works and lives in the community has a responsibility to help it continue to thrive,” said Steve Demetriou, chair and CEO of Jacobs. “The Park – and soon The Jacobs Lawn – is a place where everyone is welcome and diversity is celebrated, which is an integral part of Jacobs’ culture.”
Jacobs has been a key partner of Klyde Warren Park since the idea of the deck park first gained traction in 2005.
“Building a 5-acre park over a major highway is a remarkable, innovative architectural and engineering feat,” said Grant. “Klyde Warren Park was one of the first deck parks in the world and the brilliant minds at Jacobs made it possible. The success of the Park has inspired similar efforts in major cities around the globe.”
Historically, October is an important month in the evolution of Klyde Warren Park. The original grand opening of the Park took place in October of 2012, followed by the announcement of the expansion in October 2018, and the reveal of renderings and major gifts in October of 2019. Since then more than 10 million visitors have frequented the destination, resulting in an estimated $2.5 billion economic impact on Dallas.
Plans for The Jacobs Lawn, the Park’s 1.65-acre expansion, call for a three-story, enclosed special events pavilion to go along with the additional green space. The pavilion will enhance Park programming and add special event space that can be used during inclement weather. The Park currently offers more than 1,300 free programs and events each year.
“This expansion will allow us to continue the Park’s community programs utilizing both indoor space and additional outdoor space, freeing up the current lawn,” said Kit Sawers, president, Klyde Warren Park. “It will secure our financial future by creating revenue opportunities around new events and programs. And it will further enhance the surrounding land value, creating additional tax revenue for Dallas to fund schools, libraries and needed city services.”
Other expansion project donors to date include Amy and Kelcy Warren, Oncor and Miyama USA Texas.
ABOUT JACOBS
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With $13 billion in revenue and a talent force of approximately 55,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector. Visit www.jacobs.com and connect with Jacobs on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
###
ABOUT KLYDE WARREN PARK
Klyde Warren Park is a 5.2-acre deck park bridging uptown Dallas to downtown Dallas. The Park is privately funded and operated by the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation to connect the community and enrich lives through free, active programming and educational opportunities in a pristine and safe, centrally-located, entertainment-rich green space where everyone is welcome. Corporate partnerships and donations ensure that this mission will continue into the future. For more information, visit
www.klydewarrenpark.org.
